Pressing machine



Jan. 7, 1941. 1 M, K N Em 2,227,719

PRES SING MACHINE Filed Dec. 30, 1937 V 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 "Il hu fiii f mf ATTORNEY.

Jan. 7, 1941. MHKAHN ETAL 2,227,719

PRESS ING MACHINE Filed Dec. 50, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. m (Aw MORNEY.

Jan. 7, 1941. L M KAHN Er AL 2,227,719

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Jan. 7, 1941. M. KAHN ETAL PRESSING MACHINE File d Dec.

'50, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 m E v INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY Jan. 7, 1941. L, K N ETAL 2,227,719

PRESS ING MACHINE Filed Dec. 50, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 V I INVENTOR. -43 M w I ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 7, 1941 UNITED STATES PRESSING MACHINE Leo' M. Kahn and Frank J. Kahn, New York, N. Y.; said Frank J. Kah-n assignor to said Leo M. Kahn Application December 3Q, 1937, Serial No. 182,434

27 Claims.

This invention relates to new and improved pressing machines, and more particularly to pressing machines comprising a plurality of workreceiving bucks and a plurality of work-pressing heads, one of said bucks and one of said heads comprising an intermediate duplex unit adapted to move between the other of said bucks and the other of said heads so as to provide a free surface for the reception of work out of contact with any pressing head while the other workreceiving surface is in pressing contact with a head.

An object of the invention is to provide a press of the character described wherein the work-receiving and pressing elements are carried by a substantially vertical or upright frame and wherein the uppermost pressing head and the intermediate duplex buck and head elements are mounted for relative motion toward one another in such a manner that the uppermost pressing head and its associated elements act as a counterweight to the duplex buck and head and its associated elements.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a press of the character described wherein the lowermost buck is moved between a workreceiving position to a lower pressing position, the work-receiving position being above the pressing position and sufficiently displaced from the intermediate duplex element to provide adequate clearance for the easy placing of work by an operator.

Other objects of the invention are to provide means for exerting pressure between the upper head and the buck of the duplex element and between the head of the duplex element and the lower buck when those elements are in pressing position, means to lock the upper head and duplex element in pressing engagement, means to lock the lower buck and the duplex element in pressing engagement, the provision of guard means to prevent injury to a worker, the provision of control means for effecting the desired motion of the elements of the device and their pressing engagement, the provision of safety mechanism to prevent release of the elements in the event of breakage of parts or failure of the motive power supplying means, and the provision of motive fluid supply means, including valves and the like and actuating means therefor, for the automatic accomplishment of certain of the functions of the device.

Other objects of the invention will inpart be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be in- 5 dicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in

which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation with parts broken away of a device embodying one form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation with parts shown in dotted lines of the device shown in Fig. l; Fig. 3 is an end elevation with parts removed of a portion of the device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in section of a detail of the construction shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view partly in section of a portion of the device taken along the lines 5--5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view partly in section of a portion of the device taken along the lines 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a detail of the device shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a view in section of a portion of the device shown in Fig. 7 taken along the lines 8-8 of Fi '1;

Fig. 9 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of a portion of the device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the motive fluid supplying mechanism at one stage of the operation of the device;

Fig. 11 is a similar view of the motive fluid supplying mechanism at another stage of the operation of the device;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional diagrammatic view of the valve elements shown in Figs. 10 and 11 at one stage of the operation;

Fig. 13 is a similar view of the same elements at another stage of the operation;

Fig. 14 is a view in front elevation of a modifled form of upper pressing unit or steam-chest; and

Fig. 15 is a view in end elevation of a modification of the same portion of the structure.

This invention relates to a duplex press, i. e., to a press of the type adapted to receive and handle piece-goods, such for example asshirts, underwear and the like, but provided with a plurality of work-receiving and pressing surfaces. One work-receiving surface is intended to be exposed and clear for the reception. of work, while within which to work. The goods must be placed upon the buck or pressing surface and moved thereon, the operator must be able not 'only to clearly see the surface, but she must be able to reach across it and adjust the work on it without coming in contact with the heated elements of the press. Where the device utilizes two pressing surfaces in the manner above described and two work-receiving surfaces, the work-receiving surfaces should preferably be moved into work-recei'ving positions that are on substantially the same level, so that the operator may efficiently and easily handle the 'work.

It is essential, moreover, that the machine be compact, that it function rapidly and surely, and that it be provided with safety attachments, preferably in the form of guards, to prevent the hands of the operator from being caught between any pressing head and any buck.

The device of the present invention accomplishes these and other desirable results in a manner hereinafter to be described.

In the form of the invention shown in the drawings, and more particularly in Figs. 1 and 2, the device may comprise a plurality of substantially upright frame elements which may take the form of the tubular elements Ill. A yoke l2 may be provided at the upper'end of these elements and the lower ends may be mounted in suitable supports it. Mounted upon or in association with the frame are three movable pressing or workreceiving units, a lower buck shown generally at 16, an intermediate duplex element shown generally at l8, and an upper pressing head shown generally at'2t The lower buck I 6 may comprise an upper work-receiving surface 22, a lower table-like'element 24 adapted to receive the'overhanging portion of the work, and an intermediate supporting element 26 adapted to space the work-receiving surface from the table element.

The intermediate duplex buck and pressing head element 58 may comprise a work-receiving surface '28, a steam-chest or pressing portion 30, and an intermediate constricted neck-like portion 32 adapted to space the work-receiving surface from the pressing head. Adjacent the pressing head 39 and between .it and the Workreceiving surface 28 means in the form of a shelf or other like extension 3| may be employed to catch the overhang of the work resting upon the surface 28.

The upper pressing head may comprise a yoke or frame portion 34 and a steam-chest or pressing portion 36. The steam-chests of the element 253 and the element It! may be heated in the usual manner by steam passing through the conduits 38 and 4-0, and if desired the work-receiv'ing surfaces 22 and 28 may be similarly heated, as for example bythe extension 42 of the conduit.

The duplex element l8 may be mounted for verticalmo'v'ement along the elements II], as for example by the provision of a supporting frame '44 provided at each end thereof with a'ringthe other work-receiving surface is in pressing like bearing it, 48 adapted to surround and slide upon the elements it, each of which may be slotted, as shown most clearly in Fig. 1 at 50. Pins or arms 52 integral with the bearings 46 and it may extend through the slots 50 and may be carried on the end of pistons 54 actuated by the introduction of motive fluid into the cylinder 56 mounted preferably within the base of each element l0. Introduction of motive fluid into the cylinder 55 will thus cause piston 54 to be raised, carrying with it the bearings 46, 4-8 and the intermediate duplex element mounted thereon. The element will thus slide vertically up and down upon the tubular guiding frame elements It.

A preferred method of mounting and moving the upper pressing element is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The frame or yoke portion 34 may be provided at either end with ring-like guiding bearings 53, (iii adapted to encircle and slide upon the upright tubular elements Ii]. The steam-chest and pressing element 36 may be subtended from the yoke or frame element 34 by the bolts 6'2, and spring means 64 may be provided so that the steam-chest 36 may be movable with respect to the yoke or frame 3 3, at least to a limited degree. The entire upper pressing element 28 may be carried by the chains or cables 6'5, 38, fastened as shown in Fig. l to the yoke or frame 3 and passing over the pulleys 10 carried by "the yoke it. These chains may then pass as shown in Fig. 1 down through the elements iii. They may either be fastened directly to the pins 52 or they may be fastened to the upper end of heavy coil springs '12, the lower ends of which are fastened to the pins 52. It will be apparent that with such a construction the upper pressing head 26 and its associated elements act as a counterbalance or counterweight to the intermediate duplex element I8 and its associated elements, for as the duplex element i8 is raised from the position shown, for example, in solid lines in Fig. 1 to the position shown for example in dotted lines-in Fig. 1, the pressing head 20 will be lowered from the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 1 to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and this relative motion of the elements, each toward the other, will continue until 'the work-receiving surface 28 of the element is comes in contact with the steam-chest 36 of the element 20. It will be apparent that where the element 21! is used as a counterbalance to the element [8, the motion just described may be accomplished with the expenditure of little energy, even though the elements may be of substantial mass. Furthermore, the .spaced elements may beb rought into pressing contact more speedily with such a construction, thus making possible a longer pressing engagement as the lower buck is being loaded with work.

The lower buck it may be'mounted for movement between a lower pressing position and a raised work-receiving position, as shown most clearly in Figs. 2 and 3. The pressing position of 'the element is shown most clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, and is preferably directly below the duplex buck and head'eleme'nt l8. The raised or work-receiving position of the element It is shown most clearly in Fig. 3. 'It is to be noted that when the element l6 has been raised to work-receiving position it is in position displaced from the plane of the vertical uprights l0. For example, in Fig. 3 the element I6 is shown as .displaced-tothe right. It is'to be understood that this displacement is toward the position making the surface 22 movable vertically with of the operator, and its purpose is to effect a clearance above the element I6 when it is in work-receiving position, so that the operator is not hindered in placing the goods upon the element or adjusting them thereon by the raised duplex element I8.

The raising and lateral displacement of the buck I6 may be accomplished in the manner shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The table portion 24 of the element may be provided with extendin pins 14 adapted to ride in slots I6 in the supporting frame 18. As shown in Fig. 3, these slots extend diagonally upward and outward and act to guide the element II when it is raised from lower to upper position in a direction displaced from the overhanging duplex element.

The element IB may be moved from the pressing to work-receiving position in any desired manner. For example, the table portion 24 may be supported by a pair of cranks 80, 82 pivoted as at 84, 8.6. To one of the crank elements 82 a piston rod 88 may be pivotally affixed as at 90. The rod 88 may be actuated by fluid pressure within the cylinder 92. It will be apparent from an inspection of Figs. 2 and 3 that an increase in fluid pressure within the cylinder 92 will force out the piston rod 88, thus raising the cranks and supporting arms 82, and lifting the element I6 along the guides "I6 from pressing to work-receiving position.

If desired means may be provided to raise the work-receiving surface 22 and an associated table 23 of the element It from the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 3 to the position shown in dotted lines thereabove. This may b-eaccomplished by respect to the main body of the element, and such motion may be secured by providing a supplemental pressure-exerting means S I within the body of the element I8.

It will be understood that the means described in connection with the movement of the element l6 are intended to be illustrative only, as are also the means shown for guiding the element. The element may, for example, be raised vertically and then be laterally displaced, or it may be first laterally displaced and then raised vertically, or the guide means may be curved. It is intended, however, that the element should be raised and displaced from the plane of the supports of the machine, if such displacement is found necessary to clear the surface of the element for the reception of work.

In machines of this type it is essential that a heavy pressure be exerted upon contacting surfaces of the buck and head elements when work is being pressed, and it is desired that those elements be locked or firmly held together during the period of pressing. Means for accomplishing these results are shown, for example, in Figs. 1 and 2. The intermediate duplex element may be provided with extending lugs Illll which are intended to be engaged by the hook elements I02 associated with the lower portion of the frame of the device or by the hook elements IM associated with and movable with the upper head element 20. All of these hook elements may be similarly mounted in connection with springs I66, for example, which are adapted to maintain the hook elements in operative position, i. e., in

the position shown, for example, in Fig. 2. Means hereafter to be described are provided for moving the hook elements out of operative position so as to clear the elements I00 and permit vertical movement of the intermediate element I8. It

will be understood that other means, such as gripping means, may be substituted for the hook and lug means disclosed without departing from the invention. It is intended that all such means shall preferably function to lock adjacent buck and head elements when they engage.

Pressure between the steam-chest 36 of the element 20 and the work-receiving surface 28 of the element I8 may be obtained through means shown most clearly in Fig. 1. Pivotally mounted upon the yoke 34, as for example at I08, there may be a cylinder IIU adapted to apply pressure through the rod I I2 and the arm I I4 to the steamchest 36. The arm I I4 may be pivoted as at I I8 to the yoke 34, and may be provided with a supplemental extension II8 which, as shown in the dotted lines in Fig. 1, is adapted to be forced down against the upper surface of the steam-chest 36 as fluid pressure in the cylinder Ilil increases. The chest 36 is thereby forced away from the yoke 34 against the action of the springs 6-1 and bears strongly against the work-receiving surface 28 of the element I8 which is held in locked position with respect to the yoke 34 by the hooks Iilt which engage the lugs I00. In this or in any other suitable manner, such for example as by the use of a diaphragm on either the head or the buck, heavy pressure may be exerted between the steam-chest 3B and the surface 38.

When the intermediate duplex element is in pressing position, i. e., in the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 1, the hooks I02, which are affixed to the frame I6, are adapted to engage the lugs Illii on the element I8, thus holding the element I8 fixedly with respect to the frame of the machine. Means may be provided, for example the cylinder I20, to exert a lifting pressure against the lower buck I6, forcing it against the locked intermediate duplex element. These means are shown best in Figs. 2 and 3. In Fig. 2 the piston rod I22 is shown in extended position, and in Fig. 3 it is shown in retracted position. When the rod is in extended position an element I24 carrying a supplemental cam I26 and pivoted as at I23 is moved so as to force the cam against the table 2 1, pressing the lower buck IS against the locked intermediate duplex element I8. The action of these elements is substantially like the the action of the elements described in connection with the pressing of the upper head 28 against the duplex element I8.

As shown in Fig. 1, the upper head 28 and the intermediate duplex element I8 are adapted to engage in pressing relationship in a plane intermediate the work-receiving position of the element I8 and the raised position of the element 28. It may be desirable under certain circumstances to move the two elements I8 and 2&1 when in. pressing relationship upward so as to provide, for example, greater clearance between the pressing surface of the duplex element I8 and the work-receiving surface 22 of the lower buck It. This combined upward movement of the elements I8 and 20 may be accomplished through the application of additional pressure in the cylinders fit to the rods 54, and the coil springs 12 to which the cable elements 88 are afiixed may be adapted to absorb whatever slack this common upward movement of the elements I8 and 20 may cause in the cables.

In the operation of the device it is desirable that the pressure between contacting surfaces of the elements It and I8 and the elements I8 and 20 be released, as for example by opening exhaust ports in the pressure cylinders I26 and I I ll an instant at least before the motive means for moving the intermediate duplex element away from either the lower buck or the upper head is actuated. The release of the pressure exerted between contacting surfaces during pressing of the work makes possible an easy displacement of the locking hooks I02, I04 before relative motion of the intermediate duplex element with respect to either the lower buck or upper head. This may be accomplished directly by manually operated control on the valve system or automatic means may be provided for accomplishing the desired result.

One such form of automatic means is shown most clearly, for example, in Figs. 4 to 8 inclusive. The control mechanism there illustrated may be actuated initially by movement of a guard element shown generally at 200. This element preferably is in the form of a gate or grill extending across the machine and positioned between the movable pressing elements and the operator. It may take the form of a grid or grill 2!]2 supported by a plurality of pivotally mounted arms 2%, 2236 pivoted respectively at 208 and 2I0 upon extensions of the bearings 16, 48 upon which the intermediate duplex element rides. The guard element 260 is intended to be in the lowered position shown in solid lines in Fig. 4 during the downward movement of the duplex element and in the raised position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4 during the upward movement of the duplex element. It is intended that the throwing of the guard element from lowered to raised position may automatically effect a suitable valve operation in the fluid system controlling the operation of the machine to release the pressure between the duplex element and the lower buck, unlock the locking hooks I82 from the lugs I00, and raise the duplex element into engagement with the upper head, whereas a movement of the guard element 200 from raised to lowered position is intended to automatically release the pressure between the duplex element and the upper head, unlock the hooks I04 from the lugs I00, and permit a downward movement of the duplex element with respect to the upper pressinghead. It will be apparent furthermore that the guard element 2% acts not only as the initial activating device for accomplishing the desired motion of the elements of the machine, but functions as a protection 'to the operator so that the operators hand, for example, may not be caught between the pressing surface and a work-receiving surface during the operation of the machine.

It is of course to be understood that other automatic devices and appliances may be employed for effecting the desired results, and that the form shown in Figs. 4 to 8 inclusive is illustrative of one form of device embodying the invention only.

The valve actuating mechanism hereinafter to be described is operated initially from a vertical movement upward or downward of the rack 2I2. This vertical movement may be accomplished by tHrBwing the guard element 200 from lowered to raised position or from raised to lowered position. When the guard element is thrown from lowered to raised position the rack 2I2 is moved downwardly, and when the guard element is thrown from raised to lowered position the rack is moved upwardly. This may be accomplished by means of the mechanism shown, for example, in Figs. 6 and '7. In Fig. 7 the elements of the device are shown in position with the guard element 200 and one of its arms 206 in depressed or lowered position. The arm 206 is pivoted on a shaft 2I0 in such a way that the arm may freely move on the shaft without imparting motion thereto. The rack 2 I2 is provided with teeth adapted to engage a wheel ratchet 2M, also loosely mounted upon the shaft 2IIl. Keyed to the shaft and fixedly mounted with respect thereto is an extending pin 2I6. Pivotally mounted as at 2I8 on the arm 206 is a rocking, arcuate pawl 220 provided with a plurality of extending lugs 222 adapted to engage the pin 2 I 6.

With the device in the position shown, for example, in Fig. 7, an upward movement of the arm 206 causes one of the lugs 222 to engage the pin 2I6, thus throwing the rocking pawl 220 so that its upper portion engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel 2%, turning the wheel in a counterclookwise direction, and thus moving the rack 2I2 downwardly. With the device in the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4, a downward movement of the element 206 causes the rocking pawl to pivot so that its lower end engages the ratchet wheel 2M, which is thus caused to rotate in a clockwise direction and raise the rack 2I2. It will be understood that the movement of the intermediate buck element carrying with it the guard element 2130 and the elements associated therewith which have just been described, causes the ratchet wheel 2M to roll along the rack 2I2 freely without imparting any motion to the rack. Associated with the rack H2 and actuated by the motion thereof there may be a plurality of valve actuating mechanisms shOWn generally at 2E5dand 2 16. These be so designed as to respond immediately to mo- Lion of the rack in one direction while responding with a delayed action or only after a predetermined interval with respect to motion of the rack in the other direction. The mechanism shown generally at 230 for example is illustrated as adapted to respond immediately to motion of the rack in an upward direction and to respond after an interval of time to motion of the rack in a downward direction.

In Fig. '7 this apparatus is shown in position as the rack 2I2 commences its downward motion. The apparatus may comprise an arm 23I provided with a slot adapted to slidably engage a pin 232 on the rack 2I2. The arm may carry a springdepressed pawl 233 adapted to engage a ratchet 283, which in turn is keyed fixedly to the shaft 235. Between the pawl and the ratchet there may be provided a guide or shield 236 upon which the pawl is shown as riding. When the rack 2I2 moves downwardly, carrying with it the pin 232, the arm 23I is swung downwardly, riding freely upon the shaft 235. The pawl is carried down ward with the arm and slides along the face of the shield 236 until it reaches the end thereof. It then engages the teeth of the ratchet 234, and continued downward movement of the rack 2I2 causes rotation of the shaft 235, which is keyed to the ratchet. It will be apparent that the shaft 235, which may actuate a valve mechanism, does not respond to the initial downward movement or the rack, but is rotated only after that movement has progressed a predetermined distance. When the rack moves upwardly on the other hand the pawl is immediately retracted, carrying with it the ratchet 234 and rotating the shaft 235 until the pawl engages the shield 236.

Valve actuating mechanism 240 is shown as com-prising substantially similar elements but so positioned that the downward movement of the mechanisms may preferably rack causes immediate rotation of the shaft 245, while upward movement of the rack causes a de-' layed rotation of the shaft 245 because of the sliding of the pawl 243 upon the shield 246. There is thus made available, through the two mechanisms described, means for causing an immediate response in one valve to the downward motion of the rack and a delayed response in another valve to that downward motion, and means for causing an immediate response in one valve to the upward motion of the rack and a delayed response in the other valve to that upward motion. The operation of the valves will be described in detail hereinafter.

Means may also be provided in connection with the downward motion of the rack for moving the hooking elements I02 from engagement with the lugs Hid and thus releasing the intermediate duplex element Hi from locking engagement with the lower buck 16. These means are shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5. Extending vertically along the side of the frame of the machine there may be provided a rod 250 journaled at either end in the arm. Similar rods are preferably provided at each side of the machine. They may be equipped with extending arms 252 adapted to engage the upper hook elements I04 and with similar extensions 254i adapted to engage the lower hook elements H32. These hook-engaging elements are shown in detail in Fig. 5. They may comprise a pivoted element having aflixed thereto a supplemental latch 256 so designed that the latch will hold rigidly as the element is rotated about the shaft 250 in one direction. For example, the latch 256 may be adapted, when in the position shown in Fig. 5, to carry with it the element I92 as the section 254 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. There may preferably he means to provide some lost motion or delay in the action of the latch against the element I02, so that the rotation of the extension 254 does not act to displace the hooked element until the pressure between adjacent head and buck elements has been released. The latch 256 may be designed as shown to slip past the element I02 when the device is rotated in a clockwise position so as to return to the position shown in Fig. 5.

The mechanism just described is understood to be illustrative only. Other means may be provided for releasing the locking means, such for example as fluid pressure activated means. Fig. 5 is intended to illustrate diagrammatically the valve mechanism 25! connected with means such as a link 253 for effecting rotation of the shaft 25!].

The mechanism shown generally at 230 and previously described is adapted to control valveactuating means controlling a fluid supply system for moving the lower buck l5 and the mechanism previously described and shown generally at Mt! is similarly adapted to control valve means controlling fluid-actuating means for moving the.

intermediate buck and head elements I8. These valves and fluid-control systems will be described more in detail in connection with a description of Figs. and 11. It should here be pointed out only that in the upward movement of the elements there is a delayed action with respect to the movement of the lower buck so that the intermediate element has commenced its upward movement before the lower buck begins its move ment to work-receiving position, whereas in the downward movement of the elements the lower buck moves first toward pressing position before the intermediate element commences its down ward motion. The mechanism already described in connection with the devices shown generally at 230 and 240 is operative to effect these results.

It is to be understood that the operation described in connection with the guard element 200 and its associated elements is illustrative merely. Other forms of guard elements may be provided and the valves in the pressure supply system may be actuated by other means. A different form of guard mechanism is shown for example in Fig. 9, where a trip lever 260 pivoted as at 262 and mounted upon the edge of the pressing surface of the upper pressing element is provided. The lever 262 extends below the edge of the surface. It may take the form of a rail extending across the width of the device. If the hand of an operator is in improper position between the pressing surface of the element 20 and the work-receiving surface of the buck it will contact the lever 260 and throw it upwardly, thus actuating valve mechanism shown generally at 264, which may be adapted to control the fluid-supply means in such a way as to stop the relative motion of the approaching elements. A similar device may be provided in connection with the intermediate duplex element.

Figs. 10 and 11 show diagrammatically the operation of the fluid-supply system for moving the elements of the device and for exerting pressure between adjacent contacting elements. In Fig. 10 the apparatus is' shown with the intermediate buck and head element in pressing contact with the lower buck, In Fig. 11 the apparatus is shown with the intermediate buck and head element in pressing contact with the upper head and with the lower buck moved to its elevated work-receiving position, The cylinder 27!] is intended to control the movement of the lower buck and the cylinder 272 is intended to control the movement of the intermediate duplex element and the counterbalanced upper pressing head. The cylinder 214 is intended to supply pressure to the contacting surfaces between the lower buck and the intermediate duplex element, and the cylinder 216 is intended to apply pressure to the contacting surfaces between the upper head and the intermediate duplex element. The valve control for controlling the movement of the lower buck through the action of the cylinder 21!] is shown at 23]. The valve control for controlling the movement of the intermediate element through the cylinder 212 is shown at 240. The valve means for controlling the pressure in the cylinder 214 is shown at 218. The valve for controlling the pressure in the cylinder 276 is shown at 280.

Supplemental valve means cooperating with those already mentioned may be provided to effeet a proper control of the movement of the elements ofthe device and a proper application of pressure between adjacent surfaces thereof. For example, the control valve 282 in the fluid inlet system to the cylinder 216 may cooperate with the valve 239 for controlling pressure within that cylinder. It will be noted that the valve 280 is in the exhaust line shown in dash lines in Figs. 10 and 11 of cylinder 216, while valve 282 is in the inlet line of that cylinder. Valve 282 is preferably so positioned as to be automatically closed when the intermediate duplex element is spaced from the upper pressing element of the machine, and this valve 282 is preferably actuated so as to open when the two elements are in contact, i. e..

when the intermediate duplex element and upper pressing head are in pressing engagement. To this end the valve mechanism shown at 282 may be carried on the intermediate duplex element or it may be positioned on the frame of the device so as to operate only when the intermediate element comes into contact with the upper pressing head.

Supplemental valve means 284 may be provided in the fluid conduit leading to the valve 240 for controlling the flow of fluid through that valve at certain stages in the operation of the device. This valve means 284 is preferably so designed as to be open when the intermediate duplex element is out of engagement with the upper pressing head. Under these circumstances the motive fluid is free to enter the vaive means 240 if that means is in open position.

In Fig. 11 the mechanism is diagrammatically illustrated in connection with the raising of the intermediate duplex element, and the device is shown at the moment that element makes contact with the upper pressing head. It will be noted that during the upward movement of the intermediate duplex element the valve means 240 is in such position that motive fluid passing through the valve 234 and through the valve 250 will enter the cylinder 212, thus raising the piston which lifts the intermediate duplex element.

Valve means 234 is preferably so designed and so positioned that when the duplex element makes contact with the upper pressing head this valve will close, as shown in Fig. 11, thus shutting off the supply of motive fluid to the cylinder 212 and stopping the upward movement of the duplex element. To this end the valve 284 may be positioned on the frame of the device to make contact, for example, with the upper surface of the element 46, or it may be positioned on either the upper pressing head or the intermediate duplex element to operate when those elements come into contact, or it may be positioned elsewhere provided that it operates to close the fluid system to the cylinder 272 when desired. This valve may be adjustably positioned, for example to permit the continued flow of fluid into cylinder 212 after the intermediate element and the upper pressing head have made contact, so that the two elements may be raised together a predetermined distance, in the manner previously described, to provide increased clearance between the lower buck and the intermediate element if necessary.

Certain other valve mechanism illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 but not essential to the device will be described hereinafter.

With reference to those figures and to Figs. 12 and 13, wherein valves 240 and 280 are illustrated in greater detail, the operation of the system is as follows:

Let us assume that the mechanism is in the position shown diagrammatically in Fig. 10, i. e., the upper pressing head is in raised position and the intermediate duplex element and the lower buck are in pressing relation. The valve 240 is in such position that the exhaust line of cylinder 274 is closed, while the exhaust of 212 is open, i. e., pressure is being exerted between the lower buck and the intermediate element, and. the intermediate element is at its lowest position. Valve 28f is'in such position that the exhaust of cylinder 216 is open, i. e., no pressure is being exerted on the upper pressing head, and valve 282 is closed, thus shutting ofi the supply of motive fluid to cylinder 2%. Valve 2l8is in open position, caused by the engagement of the pressing surface of the intermediate element with the work-receiving surface of the lower buck, permitting the flow of motive fluid to cylinder 2M. Valves 2M and 280 are in the position shown in Fig. 12. These valves are then thrown into the position shown in Fig. 13, as for example by the movement of the guard element associated with the intermediate duplex element. The effect of this on the system is to close valve 280, thus shutting the exhaust line of cylinder 2ft? and preparing that cylinder to exert pressure on the upper pressing head. The fluid supplying means to cylinder 272 is opened and the exhaust of cylinder 2% is opened. It should be noted with respect to Figs. 12 and 13 that the passage in valve 2% which controls the opening of the exhaust line of cylinder 2M is designed so that that line will open slightly in advance of the opening of the fiuid supply line to cylinder 272. As a result the pressure between the lower buck and the intermediate duplex element is released before the motion of the duplex element commences. Immediately after the release of pressure between the two elements, the locking means comprising the hook Hi2 and the lug H10 are released by forcing the hook from engagement with the lug through the operation of the elements 254 and 256. The flow of fluid through the open valve 28d and the open valve 240 into the cylinder 272 raises the intermediate element and lowers the upper pressing head. As this motion starts and just after the intermediate element commences to move, valve 236 opens in the manner previously described, permitting the flow of motive fluid to the cylinder 276, which raises the lower buck from its pressing position to its work-receiving position. The motion of the elements continues until the lower buck has reached the end of its travel and until the intermediate duplex element has come in contact with the upper pressing head. Valve 284 is then closed, stopping the movement of the intermediate element and the upper head. Valve 282 opens, permitting the flow of fluid into cylinder 216, which exerts a pressure between the upper head and the intermediate element. Valve 28% is in position to close the exhaust line of cylinder 216, as shown in Fig. 11.

When the pressing has been accomplished the guard means or the other valve-actuating mechanism may be again placed in motion, moving the valves 2% and 280 to the position shown in Fig. 10.

It will be noted with respect to Figs. 12 and 13 that the valve 280 is so designed as to open the exhaust line of cylinder 276, thus releasing the pressure therein slightly before valve 240 reaches the position to exhaust the pressure in cylinder 272. Hence the pressure between the inter mediate duplex element and the upper pressing head is released before any relative motion between the two elements. As pressure is exhausted from cylinder 2'52 the intermediate element begins to drop, raising the upper pressing head, shutting valve 282, which may be a spring-controlled normally closed valve, and thus cutting off the flow of fluid to cylinder 216. The locking means heretofore described as holding the elements in pressing relationship will have been previously actuated so as to release the hook from the cooperating lug.

As was previously explained, means shown in Fig. 7 are provided to delay the action of the valve 240 slightly with respect to the action of the valve 23!! so that the lower buck element may commence its return travel before the intermediate element commences to drop, and the lower buck may then be in pressing position when the intermediate element comes in contact with it. It should be understood that the valve 230 may be a doubly acting valve controlling the movement of the lower buck from its pressing to its work-receiving position.

The movement of the valve 240 to the position shown in Fig. 10 closes the exhaust of cylinder 27d, and when the lower buck and intermediate duplex element come into contact valve 218 opens, permitting the flow of fluid to that cylinder, which then exerts immediate ironing pressure between the contacting elements.

Other valve means may if desired be provided. For example the system, instead of being substantially completely automatic, may be operated by separate valve controls. One such control is shown at 290 which is representative of a manually operable valve for controlling the fluid pressure in cylinder 2'"). If such a valve is employed it is to be understood that the valve 230 which has been described as automatically adapted to control the fluid pressure in cylinder 210 would be cut from the circuit, for example by closing the valve 282, under which circumstances the valve 290 would be adapted to function in the bypass circuit shown. So also it may be desirable to operate the machine as a single pressing unit, in which case the lower buck might be dispensed with and the upper head and intermediate element be the only operative pressing units used. Valve 294 in the supply line for the cylinder 274 could then be turned to closed position and the movements of the lower buck thus terminated.

As has already been pointed out, it may be desirable to provide means for vertically lifting the work-receiving surface 22 of the lower buck it when the buck is in raised work-receiving position, and to this end a valve mechanism 298 and a hand-operated cut-01f valve 300 may be provided. The valve 298, which may be a nor. mally spring-closed valve, may be positioned to operate to raise the surface 22 when the lower buck is in work-receiving position, and if it is desired to use the device without the operation of this valve the hand-operated valve 300 may be closed.

It will be apparent that other similar valve arrangements may be included in the system so as to make certain of the movements semi-automatic or completely unrelated to other movements of the device. It will also be apparent that the valve and fluid supply mechanism described may be altered radically without departing from the scope of the invention.

So also safety means may be provided to prevent the intermediate duplex element from colliding with the lower buck before the latter is in proper receiving position. To this end the exhaust line of the cylinder 212 may be fed through valve mechanism 302, which may open only after the lower buck element has commenced its travel downward to the pressing position, thus insuring that the intermediate buck and head element will not start to drop before the lower buck is in proper position. This same exhaust line may be fed through the guard element 304, which may be identical with that shown in Fig. 9 and previously described, and which may be adapted to close the exhaust line and thus stop the downward motion of the intermediate element if the guard means is tripped by coming into contact with the hand of a worker. Or means may be provided responsive to a tripping of such guard means to displace a lug or brace which may prevent contact between the pressing surface of the intermediate element and the work-receiving surface of the lower buck.

Means may also be provided to catch the upper pressing element and prevent it from falling upon the intermediate element should both the chain elements 68 break. This means may comprise an element 3!!! shown most clearly in Fig. 4 positioned in each of the upright supporting elements of the frame of the machine and pivoted therein as at 3|2. Spring means 3 may be provided to keep the element 3H! normally in the position shown in Fig. 4. The element may be provided with an upper protruding lug-like member 3H5 and a similar lower member 3I8 having an inclined cam surface 320. The upper pressing head normally is held in position above the lugs 3H5 when the intermediate duplex element is in its lower position. Should the cables or chains connecting these elements break when the machine is in such condition the upper head will fall but a short distance and will be held from further downward movement by the lugs 3H5. In the operation of the device the upward movement of the intermediate duplex element causes it to cam against the face 320 of the lower projecting lug 318, thus causing the element 3H] to pivot in a counter-clockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 4, retracting the lug 3|5 so that the upper pressing head may drop to engagement with the work-receiving surface of the buck portion of the duplex element. It is to be understood that the upward movement of the duplex element does not extend sufiiciently to pass the lug M8 and that so long as the upper head and the duplex element are in contact the lug 3H5 remains retracted. It will be apparent that the position of the operator-controlled guard element 200 is such that at no time does the operator have access to the upper surface of the intermediate element except when the lugs 3|6 are in extended position and adapted to catch a falling upper head.

In that embodiment of the invention heretofore described the upper pressing head has been described as sliding vertically along the supporting uprights of the device, thus being moved from an elevated position when the intermediate element is in work-receiving position to a lower pressing position. It is to be understood that other means may be employed for accomplishing the same result without departing from the invention. Such means are shown, for example, in Figs. 14 and 15. Here the upper pressing head MD is shown as pivotally mounted as at 402 upon an extension 404 from the vertical uprights of the machine. The cylinder 406 for exerting pressure between the head and the intermediate duplex element may also be mounted to pivot with the head.

In Fig. 15 three positions of the head are shown. The head may be carried by the cable or chain elements 413%, passing over the pulleys 4H) as heretofore described, and these chain elements may be affixed to the intermediate duplex element which the head may serve to counterbalance. Latch means 412 may be provided to lock the head when it is in pressing position in engagement with the intermediate duplex element, and these means, which as shown may be pivoted element and raising said at M4, may be displaced to permit pivoting of the head by the action of the rods 4 I 6.

It will be apparent that other modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The operation of such modifications as are shown for example in Figs. 14 and 15 will be understood from the description of the other forms of the device.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: 1. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, and means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck.

2. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex .pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, means for exerting pressure between said pressing head and said duplex element and opera-ted i by the engagement thereof, and means for exerting pressure between said duplex element and said buck and operated by the engagement thereof.

3. In a device of the character described, in

combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, locking means for holding said duplex element in engagement with said pressing head, and locking means for holding said duplex element in engagement with said buck.

4. In a device of the character described, in

combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement,

means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, locking means for holding said duplex element in engagement with said pressing head, locking means for holding said duplex element in engagement with said buck, and means for exerting pressure between such of said elements as may be in locked relation and for releasing said pressure before releasing said locking means.

5. In a device of the character described,,in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing, element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, and means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for linking said pressing head to said duplex element whereby said head is adapted to act as a counterbalance for said duplex element during the movements of said elements.

6. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, and means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, the relative motion of said duplex element with respect to said pressing head being such as to provide adequate working clearance between said elements when said duplex element is in con tact with said buck.

7. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for moving said buck between a lower pressing position and an elevated work-receiving position.

8. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for moving said buck between a lower pressing position and an elevated work-receiving position, said means so relating the motion of said buck to the motion of said duplex element that both elements move upwards substantially simultaneously and downward substantially simultaneously.

9. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element; an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for moving said buck between a lower pressing position and an elevated work-receiving position, said means so relating the motion of said buck to the motion of said duplex element that both elements move upwards substantially simultaneously and downward substantially simultaneously, the duplex element moving upwards initially slightly in advance of the buck and moving downwards initially with a slightly delayed action with respect to the buck,

10. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for moving said buck between a lower pressing position and an elevated work-receiving position, said work-receiving position being offset from the direction of motion of the duplex element towards the normal position of an operator for said device.

11. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for moving said buck between a lower pressing position and an elevated workreceiving position, the means for moving said elements being responsive to the movement of guard means associated with the contacting surfaces of said elements.

12. In combination, in a press, an upper pressing head, a lower buck, an intermediate duplex element comprising a spaced buck and head, means for moving said intermediate element between said pressing head and said buck,- and means for moving said buck, when said intermediate element is in contact with said head, to an elevated work-receiving position displaced from the line of travel of said intermediate element towards an operator of said press.

13. In combination, in a press, an upper pressing head, a lower buck, an intermediate duplex element comprising a spaced buck and head, means for moving said intermediate element between. said pressing head and said. buck, means for moving said buck, when said intermediate element is in contact with said head, to an elevated work-receiving position displaced from the line of travel of said intermediate element towards an operator of said press, and

means to so control the motion of said intermediate element with respect to the motion of said buck as to cause said buck to reach its lower, pressing position before contact is made therewith by said intermediate element and to cause said intermediate element to commence its motion towards said upper head before said buck leaves its lower, pressing position.

14. In combination, in a press, an upper pressing head, a lower buck, an intermediate duplex element comprising a spaced buck and head, means for moving said intermediate element between said pressing head and said buck, means for moving said buck, when said intermediate element is in contact with said head, to an elevated workreceiving' position displaced from the line of travel of said intermediate element towards an operator of said press, and means to so control the motion of said intermediate element with respect to the motion of said buck as to cause said buck to reach its lower, pressing position before contact is made therewith by said intermediate element and to cause said intermediate element to commence its motion towards said upper head before said buck leaves its lower, pressing position, said control means being responsive to movement of guard means associated with said intermediate element.

15. In combination, in a press, an upper pressing head, a lower buck, an intermediate duplex element comprising a spaced buck and head, means for moving said intermediate element between said pressing head and said buck, means formoving said buck, when said intermediate element is in contact with said head, to an elevated work-receiving position displaced from the line of travel of said intermediate element towards an operator of said press, and means for exerting pressure between said head and said intermediate element and between said buck and said intermediate element.

16. In combination, in a press, an upper pressing head, a lower buck, an intermediate duplex element comprising a spaced buck and head,

means for moving said intermediate element between said pressing head and said buck, means for moving said buck, when said intermediate element is in contact with said head, to an elevated work-receiving position displaced from the line of travel of said intermediate element towards an operator of said press, and means for exerting pressure between said head and said intermediate element by forcing said head against said intermediate element and between said buck and said intermediate element by forcing said buck against said intermediate element.

17. In a device of the character described, a frame',,a pressing head and an intermediate duplex head and buck element guided by said frame, means carried by said frame and supporting said head and said intermediate element in counterbalanced relation, means operative upon said intermediate element for moving said head and said intermediate element towards and away from one another, and a lower buck movable from a raised work-receiving position to a lower pressing position.

18. In a device of the character described, a frame, a pressing head and an intermediate du plex head and buck element guided by said frame, means carried by said frame and supporting said head and said intermediate element in counterbalanced relation, means operative upon said intermediate element for moving said head and said intermediate element towards and away from means carried by said frame and supporting said head and said intermediate element in counterbalanced relation, means operative upon said intermediate element for moving said head and said intermediate element towards and away from "one another, and a lower buck movable from, a

raised work-receiving position to a lower pressing position, said work-receiving position being displaced towards an operator of the device from the direction of travel of said'head and said in- "termediate element, all of said motive means being so interrelated that said head and said intermediate element move simultaneously and said lower buck moves towards its lower pressing position slightly in advance of the motion thereto of said intermediate element and away from its said pressing position slightly after the motion therefrom of said intermediate element.

20. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and guard means associated with said duplex element and adapted so to control the means for moving said element as to halt the motion thereof if said guard means is displaced from normal position.

21. In a pressing machine, in combination, a buck, a pressing head and an intermediate duplex buck and head element, means to move said pressing head towards said intermediate duplex element, means to raise said duplex element and said head together away from said first-mentioned buck, and means to move said buck between a pressing position in contact with said duplex element and a raised work-receiving position.

22. In a pressing machine, in combination, a buck, a pressing head and an intermediate duplex buck and head element, means to move said pressing head towards said intermediate duplex element, means to raise said duplex element and said head together away from said first-mentioned buck, means to move said buck between a pressing position in contact with said duplex element and a raised work-receiving position, and means to move said duplex element downwards away from said pressing head and into engagement with said buck.

23. In a device of the character described, in combination, a buck element, an intermediate duplex buck and pressing element, an upper pressing head, means for simultaneously raising said duplex element and lowering; said pressing head until the buck of said duplex element and said pressing head are in pressing engagement, means for simultaneously lowering said duplex element and'raising said pressing head until the pressing face of said duplex element is in pressing engagement with said first-mentioned buck, and means for moving said buck between a lower pressing position and an elevated work-receiving position, 1.

and means for raising the work-receiving surface of said buck when said buck is in elevated position.

24. In apressing machine, in combination, a

pressing head, a buck, an intermediate pressing 5 head, an intermediate buck, means for moving said buck between a position in pressing engagement with said intermediate pressin head and a work-receiving position spaced therefrom,

means to link mechanically said intermediate buck and said first-mentioned pressing head, and means to move said linked elements into and out of pressing engagement.

25. In a pressing machine, in combination, a"

pressing head, a buck, an intermediate pressing 2 means for moving said intermediate pressing head into and out of pressing engagement with said" first-mentioned buck, means to link-mechanically said intermediate buck and said first-mentioned pressing head, and means to move said linked elements into and out of ment.

pressing eng'age- 26. In a pressing machine, in combination, a

pressing head, a buck, an intermediatejpressing-- head, an intermediate said intermediate buck intermediate pressing head for the reception therebetween of work overhanging'froin-the surface of said intermediate buck, means-for moving said buck between a position in pressing engagement with said intermediate pressing head and a work-receiving position spaced therefrom, means to link mechanic-ally'--said intermediate buck and said first-mentioned pressing head, and means to move said linked elements into and out of pressing engagement. r

2'7. Ina pressing machine, in combination, a pressing head, a buck, an intermediate pressing head, an intermediate buck, means for moving said buck between a position in pressing engagement with said intermediate pressing head and a Work-receiving position spaced therefrom, said work-receiving position being above and laterally displaced from said pressing-engagement position, means to link mechanically said intermediate buck and said intermediate head to said first-mentioned pressing head and means to move said linked elements into and out of pressing engagement between said intermediate buck and said first-mentioned pressing head.

buck, -means';to maintain LEO. M. KAHN. FRANK J. KAI-IN.

in spaced relation to said i4131 

